Established in 1981, Miami-Dade County's Artificial Reef Program has helped create unique marine locations, resulting in restored ecosystems, unmatched recreational diving opportunities and unique, historic sites.

Also known as the Adopt-a-Buoy Program, Miami-Dade County worked on establishing a system of mooring buoys for recreational vessels to protect natural and artificial reefs from damage caused by boat anchors.

Florida is home to the only living coral reef in North America. Coral reefs are one of the most productive and diverse ecosystems in the world, providing habitat and food for a staggering variety of marine organisms. Reefs also serve as a buffer for the mainland, protecting the shoreline from erosion and storm surges.

Miami-Dade County marine biologists have been assisting in the response to the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (STCTLD). SCTLD was first reported off the county in 2014 and has since spread throughout Florida’s coral reef and into the Caribbean. Over 20 coral species are affected, with many colonies dying within weeks of showing tissue loss. Experts from Miami-Dade County, with partial funding from Florida Department of Environmental Protection, partnered with researchers from Nova Southeastern University to identify, measure, and treat diseased corals to find the best treatment techniques and help stop the spread of the disease. For a story on the background on the project, visit NSU’s story map.

Help protect Miami-Dade County and Southeast Florida’s coral reefs. If you see any possible damage to a coral reef, report it online with the Southeast Florida Action Network (SEAFAN) or call 866-770-7335.

If you see a treated coral with a tag, please report it online. 
For more information on the treated corals, visit the Intervention Dashboard.